He withdrew from last week’s fixture against Cambridge MCCU with what was thought to be a viral condition, but yesterday’s diagnosis now means his career has been cruelly cut short.

The 26-year-old will undergo an operation in the coming days, and Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said everyone at Trent Bridge has been saddened by the news.

“Myself and all of James’ teammates & colleagues are terribly sad to hear this news, which comes as a big shock to us all,” he said.

“He is a model professional, the most hard working I’ve ever known in cricket, making it all the more difficult to accept that his career has been cut short in this way.

“It goes without saying that he has the very best wishes of us all in terms of recovering from his operation, and that we are looking forward to seeing him back at Trent Bridge when he is fit and able.”

England Team director Andrew Strauss vowed to support the batsman through what will undoubtedly be a difficult transition: “It is both shocking and saddening to hear that James’ career has been cut short in such a sudden and unexpected manner.

“Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability, and it is immensely cruel that such a hard working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena.

“The ECB will work closely with Nottinghamshire and together we will do everything possible to help James through this difficult period, and aid him in his recovery.”